A Pfeiffer University scholarship to honor Ann Garver Cook, a former resident of Concord, was first established in 2021 and has now been fully endowed in memory of Cook, who passed away in May.

Ann Garver Cook

The Ann Garver Cook Communication Endowed Scholarship recognizes Cook’s career in public relations, and the fund will provide scholarships for undergraduate students with a 3.5+ GPA at Pfeiffer who are majoring in communication, with preference for students who are from Cabarrus, Rowan or Stanly counties.

This year’s recipient is Rachel Hogan, a senior from Asheboro, who is earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication. She is also a peer tutor and received the scholarship in 2022-23.

Cook’s career at Cannon Mills Company, in Kannapolis, included her roles as director of public relations, editor of “The Cannon News” and corporate secretary for Cannon Mills and its subsidiaries. In 1984, she was named the company’s first female vice president. Cook later joined the executive leadership of Concord Telephone Company as director of public relations and human resources.

Cook also served numerous Cabarrus County nonprofits, including United Way, Kannapolis Chamber of Commerce, Barber-Scotia College’s Board of Visitors and Piedmont Residential Development Center.

She taught Sunday School at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church for 20 years.

The scholarship has been endowed by her daughter, Rev. Dr. Cathy Cook, and granddaughter, Jessica Cook, both Pfeiffer graduates.